If life is good here, the food is even better, and the atmosphere is wonderful, imagine what will happen when Christmas arrives. Well, stop thinking about it, because Christmas is already here.
So there’s no excuse, it doesn’t matter if you’re in San Sebastián for a day, a week, or an hour, make the most of your stay here and experience the true Christmas spirit.
What to do in San Sebastián at Christmas 2025
The rest of the year, San Sebastián is a paradise, with all due respect, even though it’s true, but at Christmas it’s a truly unique experience. To help you go directly to the important places and not miss a thing, here’s a complete guide to experiencing what will be one of the best Christmases of your life.
Best plans during Christmas in San Sebastián 2025
It all kicks off on November 28th at 7:30 pm, that’s when San Sebastián opens its arms to Christmas and doesn’t let go until the Three Kings visit.
And that’s because on that day and at that time, the Christmas lights will be switched on by the renowned Iñaki Gabilondo. But that’s not all, because Izaro will perform afterward, and later there will be a show featuring 500 drones. And this is just the beginning.
All of San Sebastián will be illuminated with more than 180 lampposts, over 200 decorated trees, and more than 150 arches, in addition to the walk-through Christmas Ball and the nearly 20-meter-tall pine tree in the Alderdi Eder gardens.
From December 4th, Miramar Palace will be even more beautiful with its fantasy world, “Miramar Magikoa.” For €8, you can discover this world of light and colour, which blends technology, art, and nature.
Whether you’re a fan or not, whether you know how to skate or not, going ice skating is an activity that, if you have the chance, you shouldn’t miss. On Paseo de Francia, your next favourite hobby awaits you, along with potentially sore feet, hands, back, and bum. Enjoy!
You can’t leave—read this carefully—you can’t leave without riding the Ferris wheel on Calle Andía. Don’t say you’re a little afraid of heights or that it’s colder up there; we’re not asking you to climb Kilimanjaro. You’ll be glad you did because it’s a very pleasant experience and offers fantastic views of the city.
And if you’re one of those who can’t imagine Christmas without nativity scenes, congratulations! In San Sebastián, you can create a nativity scene route among the shops. It’s true that the main one is in Plaza Gipuzkoa, but strolling through local shops, you’ll find real gems.
Christmas Markets in San Sebastián 2025
What would Christmas be without markets? Without places to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, with its traditional food, decorations, lights, carols, and much more.
San Sebastián is no exception, and you can find everything you need for Christmas at its markets. The most famous is the San Sebastián Christmas Market, which opens on November 28th.
It’s a huge promenade with more than 70 stalls, stretching from Paseo de Francia to Plaza Ramón Labayen, passing through Paseo de Urumea. Much of the city center will also have Christmas stalls.
Among the stalls, you’ll find everything you need for Christmas and much more that you’ll love: unique designer jewellery, minerals from around the world, sustainable clothing, literature, handcrafted accessories, handmade toys, prints and illustrations, anime items, sweets, local traditional food products, mulled wine, and much more.
But if you’re looking for delicious food that stays true to local traditions, we have another plan for you that you’ll absolutely adore. Explore the thirteen stalls that make up this year’s Local Gastronomic Market. Enjoy tastings of every local product you can imagine, so you can have a complete Christmas experience in San Sebastián.
Where to spend New Year’s Eve 2025 in San Sebastián
In every corner of San Sebastián, there’s a small gathering, a small party, and everyone here is eager to celebrate the arrival of the new year. But if you’re wondering where the best place to spend New Year’s Eve is, let me ask you something first: city or mountains?
In the city centre, we recommend starting the party at CATS Hostel San Sebastián, a meeting point for dozens of people from all over the world. From there, as midnight approaches, head to Plaza de la Constitución with your group. There, the numbers will be displayed on the balconies, as they are every year, and the great atmosphere, the festive spirit, and the music will fill the air.
If you want to venture a little outside the city center and start the new year near the sea, Paseo Nuevo is the perfect place for you, with a vibrant atmosphere and the sound of the waves as the clock strikes midnight. Now that’s a spectacular way to begin a new year!
But if you prefer the mountains, don’t worry, because San Sebastián has something for everyone. Climb Mount Igeldo and, with the best views of the entire city, celebrate the end of one era and the beginning of new adventures.
